Cyber Espionage: Czech Republic Accuses China of Targeting Ministry
On May 28, 2025, the Czech government publicly accused a state-sponsored cyber threat actor linked to the People’s Republic of China of conducting a malicious campaign against its Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This incident highlights ongoing concerns about cybersecurity and international cyber espionage, as the government continues to investigate the extent of this breach.
The Cyber Attack
According to an official statement, the attack occurred on an unclassified network within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which is considered critical infrastructure for the Czech Republic. Officials indicated that this malicious activity has been persisting since 2022, though details on the impact and scope of the breach remain unclear.
The attack has been ascribed to a group known as APT31, also recognized under various threat clusters such as Altaire and Bronze Vinewood. These designations reflect the group’s sophisticated techniques and longstanding operations in cyberspace, with their activities reportedly beginning as far back as 2010.
Who is APT31?
APT31, attributed to the Ministry of State Security (MSS) of China, has built a reputation for employing a wide array of hacking tools to infiltrate target networks. They often utilize public networks and file-sharing sites to obfuscate their command and control (C2) operations, making it challenging for network security protocols to detect their presence.
Research from Secureworks, a subsidiary of Sophos, indicates APT31 primarily targets organizations within the government and defense sectors, as well as those providing services to these entities. Their focus on high-value targets underscores the far-reaching implications of their cyber activities.
Recent Developments and Global Context
In a significant escalation, the U.S. Department of Justice recently indicted seven hackers connected to APT31, claiming they engaged in extensive cyber espionage aimed at diverse targets, including journalists, businesses, and foreign political critics. These infractions align with the MSS’s broader objectives of intelligence gathering and economic espionage.
Moreover, this is not the first instance of APT31 gaining notoriety in Europe. Notably, the Police of Finland accused the group of orchestrating an attack on the Finnish Parliament in 2020, a move that raised alarm about their operational capacity and intent within European nations.
Adding to the discussion, cybersecurity firm ESET documented in May 2025 that APT31 targeted another Central European government in late 2024, deploying an espionage tool known as NanoSlate. While the specific connection to the Czech attacks is not firmly established, the recurring focus on Central European regions suggests a deliberate strategic interest.
Strong Condemnation from Czech Officials
In response to the cyber intrusion, the Czech Republic’s government expressed strong condemnation of the actions attributed to APT31. Officials stated that such cyber behavior compromises the credibility of China and counters its public declarations regarding responsible conduct in cyberspace. The statement further emphasized the necessity for China to adhere to established norms endorsed by the United Nations regarding international cyber behavior.
Conclusion
As cyber threats continue to proliferate globally, the interplay between national security and international relations grows increasingly complex. The accusation against China by the Czech Republic is a significant reminder of the pervasive risks associated with cyber espionage, especially involving state actors. Governments worldwide remain vigilant in their cybersecurity measures, recognizing the need for robust defenses against such sophisticated and targeted attacks.
